Learn music theory and find your voice

learn to enjoy composing

Many musicians are good at playing, but struggle to extend themselves. One of the main reasons for that is they don't have the technical knowledge to progress.

Once you understand music theory at a deeper level, your playing will improve tremendously. You'll:

understand why a composer wrote the music in that particular way

be able to grasp the mood and feel of a piece

think of ways to bring your own personality to the music

create a much better music program or concert

start composing some of your own pieces

greatly improve your sight reading

Music theory isn't as difficult as you might imagine. It follows definite rules that can be bent or broken if you understand them. You need the right music theory books to help you learn complex ideas.

One of the great benefits of learning theory is that it doesn't matter what instrument or instruments you play. Music theory for the guitar is the same as for the piano, or violin, or oboe. That gives you access to a wide range of teachers, not just those confined to a specific musical instrument.

What should you look for in a theory course? You need clear descriptions with lots of examples. If a music theory book is too thin, it is probably designed for teachers, who will give students their own practice sessions. If you're trying to learn by yourself, you need a more solid book.